NEW YORK, N.Y. – The
Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF)—the leading authority on the participation of women and girls in athletics — hosted its headline 37
th Annual Salute to Women in Sports awards gala at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.
The Billie Jean King Contribution Award, an honor that recognizes an individual or organization who has made a significant contribution to the development and advancement of women’s sports, was awarded to BIG EAST Conference Commissioner
Val Ackerman. From receiving one of the first post-Title IX women’s basketball scholarships to the University of Virginia, to first president of the WNBA l- and now overseeing one of the nation’s preeminent intercollegiate athletic conferences - Val Ackerman is a steadfast champion of women’s sports.
The Billie Jean King Contribution Award is presented to an individual or group who has made significant contributions to the development and advancement of women’s sports and to the Women’s Sports Foundation specifically and/or who has, through personal achievements demonstrated a lasting commitment and dedication to the growth of sports, fitness and physical activity for women and girls. Established in 1980, past winners include Tegla Loroupe, Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), Birch Bayh, Michelle Kwan and Robin Roberts.
WSF Founder
Billie Jean King and WSF President
Angela Hucles were among the high-profile attendees who celebrated the evening’s top honorees; representing 20 sports and seven different countries. The event was co-hosted by Emmy award-winning sports announcer and former professional tennis player Mary Carillo, as well as sports analyst and two-time Olympic softball medalist Jessica Mendoza. Awards were presented by a host of big names including Laila Ali (boxing), Tamika Catchings (basketball), Meryl Davis (ice dancing), Aimee Mullins (track & field) and Sanya Richards-Ross (track & field), to name a few.
“For over 40 years, we have recognized the accomplishments of the world’s greatest female athletes and leaders in sports. We are proud to do so again tonight after what was one of the most successful Olympic and Paralympic Games for women in history,” said WSF Founder Billie Jean King. “The Women’s Sports Foundation is proud to have played a small part in what we saw this year in Rio and we plan to continue working to bring women sports to the next level for years to come.”
The Women’s Sports Foundation’s coveted 2016 Sportswoman of the Year awards were presented to Rio 2016 Olympians Claressa Shields (boxing) and Ashleigh Johnson (water polo); in the individual and team category, respectively. The award is bestowed upon athletes who have distinguished themselves from the field through their supreme athletic performances over a 12-month period. Finalists were voted on by the public in September at SportswomanoftheYear.com.
Top-ranked squash player, Maria Toorpakai Wazir, who rose to international success despite repressive regimes in her Taliban-occupied region of Pakistan, was honored with the Wilma Rudolph Courage Award. By competing disguised as boy, she showed tremendous courage in her country of Waziristan where girls aren’t allowed to venture outside their home. However, Toorpakai’s family firmly adhered to a spirit of justice and equality, allowing her to excel in sports and inspire a whole generation of Pakistani girls.
NBC Olympics announcer
Mary Carillo and two-time Olympic softball medalist
Jessica Mendoza opened the fundraising gala. The evening then proceeded with the traditional Grand March of Athletes where all 70 athletes in attendance were honored for their contributions to sports.
The Women’s Sports Foundation also payed special tribute to the late legend
Pat Summitt, college basketball's all-time wins leader with 1,098 victories and eight national titles with the Tennessee Lady Vols. University of Tennessee athletic director
Joan Cronan, and WNBA and former Lady Vols players
Tamika Catchings and
Kara Lawson honored the iconic head coach.
Angela Hucles, WSF President and two-time Olympic gold medalist soccer player, took the stage along with WSF President-elect
Grete Eliassen, a freestyle skier and six-time Winter X Games medalist.
Hucles discussed the ongoing initiatives of the WSF, specifically showcasing the
Sports 4 Life program. Sports 4 Life is a national effort to increase the participation and retention of African-American and Hispanic girls in youth sports programs. By making sports more accessible, Sports 4 Life gives young females the chance to learn the foundational benefits of sports, such as leadership, confidence, self-esteem, and perseverance. This year alone, WSF awarded $194,250 in funding to 40 organizations to serve more than 10,000 middle and high school girls across the nation. All of the money raised in the room this evening benefits towards the 2017 grant program, which is now accepting applications for the coming year.
The 37th Annual Salute to Women in Sports was co-presented by WSF National Partners: espnW, FOX Sports, Gatorade and NBC Sports Group.
About The Women’s Sports Foundation
The Women’s Sports Foundation — the leading authority on the participation of women and girls in sports — is dedicated to creating leaders by ensuring girls access to sports. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, our work shapes public attitude about women’s sports and athletes, builds capacities for organizations that get girls active, ensures equal opportunities for girls and women, and supports physically and emotionally healthy lifestyles. The Women’s Sports Foundation has relationships with more than 1,000 of the world’s elite female athletes and is recognized globally for its leadership, vision, expertise and influence. For more information, visit
www.WomensSportsFoundation.org. Follow us:
www.Facebook.com/WomensSportsFoundation or on Twitter
@WomensSportsFdn.
About the BIG EAST
The BIG EAST Conference is an association of ten nationally prominent colleges and universities that foster healthy athletic competition, community service and the pursuit of excellence in academic environments. The athletic programs of BIG EAST institutions provide national-caliber participation opportunities for more than 3,000 student-athletes on over 180 men’s and women’s teams in 22 sports. Established in 1979 and headquartered in New York City, the BIG EAST’s members are located in seven of the country’s top 35 largest media markets and include Butler University, Creighton University, DePaul University, Georgetown University, Marquette University, Providence College, St. John’s University, Seton Hall University, Villanova University and Xavier University. For more information, visit www.bigeast.com.